Sweet Dreams, Full Plates is a major collaboration launched in 2017 by local hotels in the Asheville area as a response to the issue of hunger in Western North Carolina. Sweet Dreams, Full Plates takes place throughout the month of September, coinciding with national Hunger Action Month.

This year, over 30 hotels are competing against one another for a wonderful cause—to raise money for MANNA FoodBank, the regional food bank located in Asheville, NC, serving the 16 Western-most counties of North Carolina.

Participating hotels engage hotel guests throughout the month of September to make an impact with their visit. Guest participation is simple: Hotel guests can choose to forgo stay-over services by placing a special door hanger on their room door handle. The special hanger says “We Fed A Family!” and for every room that chooses to participate, the hotel makes a $2 donation on their behalf. With each $2 donation, MANNA can provide enough food for 7 meals to people across Western North Carolina.

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Participating Hotels

Each week throughout September, participating hotels will be tracking their progress. Keep up with their progress here, and help cheer on your favorite! At the end of the campaign, the winning hotel will receive a giant thank you: A billboard, donated by Lamar Advertising, thanking the hotel employees and guests for their help in the work to end hunger in WNC!

Photo Courtesy: MANNA FoodBank

About Hunger in WNC

Hidden within the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains is a harsh reality: 1 in 6 people and 1 in 4 children in WNC don’t know where their next meal will come from. The majority of families who reach out to MANNA’s partner network throughout the year are facing a unique “socio-economic storm” of factors in WNC. The Asheville area is the most expensive housing in not just the state, but the tri-state area, outpacing even Atlanta in housing costs. With a distinct lack of affordable housing, families must live further and further from their jobs, and without accessible mass transportation, must also have access to a reliable vehicle. One unexpected car repair or medical bill can start an economic spiral that most families living paycheck-to-paycheck simply cannot escape.

Photo Courtesy: MANNA FoodBank

Photo Courtesy: MANNA FoodBank

In partnership with individuals and businesses, MANNA FoodBank is committed to ensuring that every family facing an empty table in WNC can get access to the food they need to live and thrive. Thanks to these hospitality partners, Sweet Dreams, Full Plates will help fill many empty plates across Western North Carolina.